Ithaca teachers’ union presents exit-interview data, cites pay and benefits for departures

Catherine Cernera, president of the Ithaca Teachers Association, told the Ithaca City School District Human Resources Committee on Sept. 2 that exit interviews conducted this spring and summer show teacher departures are driven by pay and benefits rather than relocation. "Our teachers have returned to our classrooms with all of the same responsibilities, but with less money in their paychecks," Cernera said.

The union presented two headline findings from its interviews: only about 2% of resignations cited relocation as the reason for leaving, and 70% of recent departing teachers stayed local (40% took positions in neighboring districts and 30% retired). Cernera said the district and union have not reached agreement on three contract priorities — competitive salaries, health care that covers teachers and their families regardless of retiree or marital status, and expanded family leave — and that those unresolved issues are contributing to an 18% turnover rate the ITA reported for the current year. "It was impossible to afford to live in the district on ICSD wages," Cernera quoted a former member as saying. "My new position is offering 17,000 more in pay. Their family leave is a bit better. They honor up to 60 sick days instead of 30 when I had a child. Their contract feels more respectful and fair."

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Technology Zach Lind told the committee he had a different turnover calculation. "I looked at data today... 8.9% of the teachers turned over if you look at our rosters on our staffing list on June 2," Lind said, adding that district figures and the union’s findings can be reconciled. Lind said his figure is based on the district’s roster snapshots and the HR office can provide further reconciliation if the board requests it.

The ITA requested that the committee continue to receive the union’s exit-interview data and encouraged board members to use that information in ongoing contract discussions. The collective bargaining agreement between the district and teachers lapsed on June 30; Cernera emphasized that bargaining remains the responsibility of the district’s executive team and the teachers but said the board can influence the process.

Committee members did not take formal action on bargaining terms during the session; committee members asked staff to provide clarifying data if desired in a future meeting. Cernera concluded by saying the ITA will keep the committee updated on what it learns from continued exit interviews.